1 Jesus, child of gentle Mary,
as now you leave your lowly bed
hear the shepherds' prayer of blessing,
for danger stalks the path you tread:
Mary hold you, Joseph lead you,
God be ever at your head;
Mary hold you, Joseph lead you,
God be ever at your head!
God be ever at your head!

2 When you walk among the heathen
and suffer torment, grief and pain,
shepherds in their joy implore you,
return to Bethlehem again!
Let the poor, the weak and humble
in your heart of love remain;
let the poor, the weak and humble
in your heart of love remain.
in your heart of love remain.

3 Though the clouds of evil hover,
though winds of cold injustice blow,
angels of the Lord surround you,
protect you, guide you here below;
holy child of human mother,
God be with you as you go;
holy child of human mother,
God be with you as you go!
God be with you as you go!